One of two suspects has been caught and charged following a kidnapping and assault incident that involved a female victim jumping from a moving vehicle on Highway 1 just west of Deacon’s Corner.

Winnipeg Police Service is also asking the public for assistance in locating a second male suspect.

WPS got involved in this incident on Monday, November 1st at approximately 8:00 P.M. Officers responded to a report of a serious assault that had occurred near the intersection of St. Mary’s Road and Fermor Avenue. Witnesses told the responding officers that a female in her twenties had been severely assaulted at a bus stop, then dragged into a waiting vehicle. Apparently, one of the witnesses attempted to intervene but was threatened by the suspect with a knife.

Police say initial indications were that at least two male suspects were involved. As it appeared the victim had been kidnapped, multiple police resources were deployed.

Later, at approximately 8:40 P.M., an adult female jumped out of a moving SUV which was travelling eastbound on the Trans-Canada Highway at a high rate of speed.

Reports say the SUV stopped to retrieve the female, but the presence of other vehicles caused the SUV to speed off. By-standers contacted RCMP, who took the victim to a hospital in Steinbach. Because the victim was suffering significant injuries, she was transferred to a hospital in Winnipeg.

WPS investigators determined that the Fermor Avenue and Trans-Canada incidents were linked and involved the same victim. It was also determined that the victim and the suspects were known to each other.

On the evening of November 2, 2021, members of the Major Crimes Unit and the Tactical Support Team arrested a suspect in Winnipeg.

Joshua Andrew BAKER, 22, has been charged with:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Kidnapping
  • Utter Threats to Cause Death or Bodily Harm
  • Personating a Peace Officer
  • Robbery
  • Fail to Comply with Probation Order x 2

He was detained in Custody.

Meanwhile, Investigators are searching for a second suspect in this incident. An arrest warrant has been issued for 28-year-old Jason Robert BAKER, 28.

Jason BAKER is 6’1” in height, 193 lbs. Baker is considered armed and dangerous and is not to be approached.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477)